Community News Briefs: Polar plunge raises funds for Special Olympics

North County Times – Escondido,CA,USA
ENCINITAS —- The city of Encinitas will hold a community
garage sale from 8 am to noon March 17 in the parking lot at the
Encinitas Community Center, …

OCEANSIDE —- The Law Enforcement Torch Run and Special Olympics San Diego County will hold a polar plunge, “Freezin’ for a Reason,” at 10 a.m. March 17 at the Oceanside Pier. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Area residents are invited to join in by pledging $50 or obtaining sponsors to raise money for Special Olympics athletes. Corporate sponsors also are welcome. Organizers hope to raise $30,000. The fundraiser also will feature events at the Oceanside bandshell, including entertainment and displays of police equipment. For more information, call (760) 941-7272.

Garden club plans program on orchids

FALLBROOK —- Sarah Moreno will present her short course called Orchids 101 at the evening meeting of the Fallbrook Garden Club at 7 p.m. March 21 in the community room of the Fallbrook Public Utility District Building at 990 E. Mission Road.

She is the designer for Pacific Orchid Farms in Leucadia, and will talk about the care, feeding and displaying of various kinds of orchids. The public is welcome. The Fallbrook Garden club is a member of National Garden Clubs, Inc., Pacific Region and Charter Member of California Garden Clubs, Inc., Palomar District. For more information, call Sandi LeMasters at (760) 723-3783.

Fallbrook church taking part in Crop Walk

FALLBROOK —- The Living Waters Christian Fellowship will take part in Fallbrook’s CROP Walk for the first time this year. The CROP Walk is set for 1:15 p.m. March 25 starting from the Fallbrook Food Pantry at 1042 S. Mission Road. Fifteen will participate.

The church is at 2000 Reche Road. Sunday services are as follows:

8:45 a.m.: Prayer time and Sunday school, children, youth and adults.

- 9:30 a.m.: Fellowship and refreshments.

- 10 a.m: Morning worship with the Rev. Tim Zemanek.

- 6:30 p.m.: Wednesdays, continuing survey of the Bible. All are welcome. For information, call (760) 728-1685.

Computer group to meet

FALLBROOK —- The Fallbrook PC Users Group will meet at 6:30 p.m. March 22 at the Fallbrook Public Utility District building, 990 E. Mission Road, corner of Santa Margarita Road. The public is invited and there is no charge.

Judy Lindley will present a program describing “Passage Express.” One can create a self-running interactive CD/DVD with pictures, documents, audio/video clips and more. She will explain how easy it is to publish work in three steps along with other impressive features. Refreshments will be served at 6 p.m. For information, visit www.fallbrookpcusersgroup.org.

VFW hosts St. Pat’s Day dinner

VISTA —- Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7041 will host a St. Patrick’s Day dinner of corned beef and cabbage from 3 to 7 p.m. March 17 at 1717 E. Vista Way, Suite 117. Cost is $7 per person. There will be traditional Irish music and Irish karaoke. Proceeds support the post’s many veterans programs. All active-duty military are welcome. Call (760) 724-7041.

Traveling Singles group to meet

VISTA —- Traveling Singles will meet on March 22 at San Giorgio Lucano Restaurant, 1280 E. Vista Way. Dinner is at 6 p.m.; karaoke and dancing at 7. All singles age 55 and older are welcome to attend. Call (760) 721-8412.

Vista sales tax to increase April 1

VISTA —- Vista’s new voter-approved sales tax increase will take effect on April 1. The half-cent increase is designed to provide revenue for local benefits such as increasing public safety efforts, improving street maintenance and building much-needed capital improvement projects. The measure, known as Proposition L, passed on Nov. 7, 2006.

The new sales tax rate applies to:

- Purchases made within city of Vista boundaries;

- Goods delivered to addresses within the city boundaries including from vendors outside the city who deliver, install or assemble merchandise within the city limits;

- Automobiles purchased or leased by Vista residents, no matter which city the automobile is purchased;

- Aircraft, boats and mobile homes on properties in Vista.

As of April 1, the total sales tax in Vista will be 8.25 percent. The sales tax in unincorporated county portions of Vista will remain 7.75 percent. Business can visit http://www.cityofvista.com to find out if they are located in the city limits and therefore need to increase their sales tax collection.

Elks hold St. Pat’s Day dinner

OCEANSIDE —- Oceanside Elks Lodge 1561 will hold a St. Patrick’s Day dinner with corned beef and cabbage and all the trimmings starting at 5:30 p.m. March 17 at 444 Country Club Lane. Entertainment will be provided. Donation is $10. Hostess for the evening is Myrtle Caravallo. For reservations, call (760) 433-1561.

O’side Elks hold bingo March 18

OCEANSIDE —- Oceanside Elks Lodge 1561 will hold bingo at 1 p.m. March 18 at 444 Country Club Lane. A free hamburger, fries and soda will be served from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. to all who buy in. Call (760) 433-1561.

Ballroom dance set for St. Pat’s Day

OCEANSIDE —- Ballroom dancing for couples and singles age 55 and older will be held from 7 to 9:15 p.m. March 17 at Oceana, 550 Vista Bella. Optional dress is a St. Patrick’s Day theme. The dance will feature table seating with finger foods, refreshments and music by Punch and Judy.

Cost is $6 per person. Dances are held the third Saturday of each month. For more information, call Joe at (760) 966-6838.

O’side senior center holds dance

OCEANSIDE —- The Oceanside Senior Center will hold a St. Patrick’s Day dance featuring music by Billy Harper’s Band from 2 to 4 p.m. March 17 at 455 Country Club Lane. Admission is $4 and anyone age 55 and older is welcome. Refreshments will be served. Call (760) 435-5250.

Spanish guitar concert at MiraCosta

OCEANSIDE —- Classical guitarist Eric Foster and flamenco guitarist Juan Moro will present an evening of Spanish music at 7:30 p.m. March 23 at the MiraCosta College Theatre, 1 Barnard Drive. Each musician will play a solo set followed by duo collaborations.

Foster’s program draws on Spanish music from as far back as the 13th century up to the 20th century. Moro brings virtuoso improvisations from the Gypsy tradition.

General admission is $10; students/seniors, $8. To order tickets using a MasterCard or Visa, call (760) 795-6815.

St. Anne’s to host seminar

OCEANSIDE —- St. Anne’s Anglican Church will serve as host for an international church planting and vision seminar March 23 and 24 at 701 West St. The seminar will feature the Rev. Tom Herrick. For more information or to attend, call Fr. Tony Baron at (760) 966-2950, Ext. 11.

Program marks history of Latino women

OCEANSIDE —- In honor of Women’s History Month, the Oceanside Public Library’s Mission Branch will present a program on the history of Latino women at 11 a.m. March 24 in the library’s Community Room, 3861-B Mission Ave.

Award-winning writer and author of “The Book of Latina Women: 150 Vidas of Passion, Strength and Success” Sylvia Mendoza will talk about everyone from fiery superstars who blazed new trails in pop culture to often unrecognized women whose brave actions changes history. Mendoza recently was selected for the 2007 California Collection for High Schools by the California Readers Association. For more information, call (760) 435-5640 or visit http://www.oceansidepubliclibrary.org.

Martial arts open house set

OCEANSIDE —- United Studios of Self Defense will hold an Empowering Martial Arts Kids Open House from 2 to 5 p.m. March 24 at 4140 Oceanside Blvd., Suite 137. Children ages 4 to 12 are invited to participate in free self-defense instruction, focus/attention drills, stranger awareness instruction and more. There will be free pizza and drinks. Call (760) 630-8116 or log on to http://www.oceansidekarate.com.

Elks to take Las Vegas trip

OCEANSIDE —- Oceanside Elks Lodge will sponsor a three-day, two-night bus trip to the Plaza Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas May 1 through 3. Cost is $112.50 per person, double occupancy; $135 single. Call (760) 433-7615 or (760) 433-1561.

Travel group visits dinner theatre

OCEANSIDE —- Oceanside Senior Center’s travel group, Happy Wanderers, will celebrate Mother’s Day one day early at the acclaimed Candlelight Pavilion Dinner Theatre in Claremont on May 12. The cost is $77 per person and includes a very Special Magical Musical afternoon with the pavilion transformed into a Las Vegas Showroom for a tribute to the original “Rat Pack,” Frank, Dino, Sammy, Joey and Peter. Also included is a three-course meal plus the live big band music of the Blue Note Swing Orchestra topping off the show. Reservation deadline is April 9. Call (760) 435-5250.

Jewish Men’s Club to meet

VISTA —- The North County Jewish Men’s Club will hold its monthly breakfast meeting at 9 a.m. March 22 at Shadowridge Country Cub, 1980 Gateway Drive. The guest speaker will be Donna Nolten, RN, who will talk about stroke avoidance. Nonmembers are welcome. Call (760) 631-7998.

MiraCosta to hold health and safety fair

OCEANSIDE —- MiraCosta College Health Services will host a free health and safety fair from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 22 in the Student Center Quad at MiraCosta College, 1 Barnard Drive. The event is open to the public. From 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. the San Diego Blood Bank will hold a blood drive at the health and safety fair.

The fair is designed to educate students and the community about healthy and safe lifestyles. Topics covered include birth control, HIV, STDs, smoking cessation, mental health counseling, tattooing safety, ocean safety and more. Nearly two dozen local volunteer organizations and businesses will be on hand to distribute information and to answer questions. Some of the participants include Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Oceanside Lifeguards, the Women’s Resource Center, Planned Parenthood and Tri-City Medical Center.

Free parking in lot 1A will be available the day of the event. Contact Catherine Halmay at (760) 795-675.

Program offers semester in London

MiraCosta College art instructor Anna O’Cain is one of only three Southern California community college instructors selected to teach classes in the Southern California Foothills Consortium’s Semester in London Program. The consortium consists of 11 Southern California community colleges.

O’Cain incorporates the works of English artists from the late 1990s to the present in her MiraCosta studio assignments and historical lectures. In London, she will be able to supplement her teaching by having students visit museums, galleries and gardens for drawing assignments and art historical research. In these courses, student projects and assignments will be linked to the history of art and contemporary movements in visual art within London and the surrounding areas. O’Cain received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Art Institute of Chicago and a master’s degree from the UC San Diego. She can be reached at aocain@miracosta.edu or (760) 757-2121, Ext. 6268.

The London Study Abroad Program is a full-time academic program where students will complete 12 academic units. Participants choose from course offerings in English literature, art and psychology. Program dates are Sept. 6 through Dec. 7. Cost is $6,995, which includes shared room with host family, membership in the University of London Student Union, an underground pass and travel insurance. Price does not include airfare. Eligibility requirements are completion of 12 academic units by June 2007 with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. The deadline to apply is June 11. Contact Mia Scavone at the Institute for International Perspectives, (760) 795-6897 or e-mail iip@miracosta.edu.

Library hosts seniors yoga

CARDIFF —- Emmy Garnica leads the “Gentle Yoga for Seniors” class at 3 p.m. Wednesdays at the Cardiff-by-the-Sea branch library, 2081 Newcastle Ave. Call (760) 753-4027.

City holds community garage sale

ENCINITAS —- The city of Encinitas will hold a community garage sale from 8 a.m. to noon March 17 in the parking lot at the Encinitas Community Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive. The sale is being coordinated as a Family Enrichment Program event and will feature local families selling various recyclable and reusable household items. The sale is open to all shoppers but vendors must be registered in the Family Enrichment Program, which develops positive family and community bonding opportunities. Local nonprofit organizations also are invited to participate in the sale. Call (760) 633-2740.

Schools offer free ESL classes

ENCINITAS —- English as a Second Language classes are offered free by San Dieguito Adult School at various coastal locations including Oak Crest Middle School, 675 Balour Drive in Encinitas. Classes range from beginning to advanced levels.

Daytime and evening classes are offered. Call (760) 753-7073 or visit the Web site at http://www.sdadulted.com.

Weight-loss group meets

ENCINITAS —- Take Off Pounds Sensibly, a nonprofit weight-loss support group, meets from 9 to 10 a.m. Wednesdays at the San Diego County Credit Union, 501 N. El Camino Real. Call (760) 632-9471 or visit the Web site at http://www.tops.org

Volunteers sought by history society

ENCINITAS —- The Encinitas Historical Society needs docents for two hours twice a month on Fridays and Saturdays. Docents will attend an orientation meeting, which describes the duties of the docent. A handbook and local history booklets will be given to help with emergency procedures and local history. Call (760) 753-5726.

Gardeners meet monthly

DEL MAR —- The Friendship Gardeners of Del Mar meet from 1 to 3 p.m. the fourth Saturday of each month, September to June, for field trips, speakers, seasonal plantings and to explore many other topics of interest. Call Ms. Locatelli at (858) 259-9636.

Fire Department offers CPR classes

ENCINITAS —- The Encinitas Fire Department will offer cardiopulmonary resuscitation classes from 5 to 9 p.m. March 21 and May 23 at Fire Station No. 5, 540 Balour Drive. Cost is $6. Call (760) 633-2815.

Blood donors sought for young local patients

NORTH COUNTY —- The San Diego Blood Bank is urging donors to give blood this month to make a difference in the lives of several North County children, all of whom have recently been diagnosed with aplastic anemia, a rare bone marrow disorder that reduces the number of blood cells in the body. For this reason, these patients need frequent blood transfusions.

Also, since some cases of aplastic anemia can be cured by a bone marrow transplant, the blood bank’s Stem Cell Donor Center is also inviting healthy people between the ages of 18 and 60 to join the National Marrow Donor Program’s registry at any local San Diego Blood Bank donor center.

Some of the patients whose lives may be touched by blood donations include Renee Schnellinger, 6, of Vista; and Kennedy Kraus, 8, and Trevor Norby, 9, both of Carlsbad. County health officials are assessing possible causes for the unusual number of aplastic anemia cases in North County.

Anyone age 17 or older in good health and weighing at least 110 pounds may be eligible to donate blood. Eating a good meal before donating is recommended.

For the nearest blood donor location, call (800) 4MY-SDBB or go to http://www.sandiegobloodbank.org.

Chorus needs accompanist

NORTH COUNTY —- Through the Storm Gospel Chorus is looking for a good accompanist familiar with gospel/spiritual style and willing to play four concerts per year with minimal rehearsal time. Anyone looking for a way to serve the community and share their talents can call (760) 525-7233 or e-mail contact stormchorus@yahoo.com.

Microchip your pet

CARLSBAD —- The county Department of Animal Services will offer microchips for dogs, cats or rabbits from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursdays at the County Animal Shelter, 2481 Palomar Airport Road. The cost is $20 and includes national registration. Please bring dogs on a leash and cats or rabbits should be in a carrier. For those whose animal is unaltered, ask about the $50 coupon. Call (760) 438-2312 or visit the Web site at http://www.sddac.com.

Senior writers meet weekly

CARLSBAD —- Writers age 55 and older meet from 9 to 11 a.m. Mondays at the Carlsbad Senior Center, 799 Pine Ave. Call (760) 602-4650.

Church hosts blood drive

CARLSBAD —- The San Diego Blood Bank will accept blood donations from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 18 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 3821 Adams St. The blood drive will be held in the church hall. All donors at this drive will be awarded a voucher for a free whale-watching trip donated by Helgren’s Oceanside Sportfishing. Due to rising fuel costs there will be a $5 surcharge per person for the trip.

Anyone who is at least 17 years old, in good health and weighs at least 110 pounds may be eligible to give blood. Call (800) 4MY-SDBB or visit the Web site at http://sandiegobloodbank.org.

Join nature walk around lagoon

CARLSBAD —- The Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation will hold an easy, docent-led nature walk from 2 to 4 p.m. March 17 starting at the foundation’s Nature Center, end of Gabbiano Lane. Call (760) 931-0800 or visit the Web site at http://www.batiquitosfoundation.org.

Tutor a child in reading

CARLSBAD —- Olivenhain Pioneer Elementary School is seeking tutors for its award-winning “Everyone a Reader” volunteer program. Tutors will be trained and will work in weekly, 90-minute sessions with students in grades 1 through 4. Call Elaine Barton at (760) 943-2027.

Hospice seeks volunteers

CARLSBAD —– Hospice of the North Coast at 5441 Avenida Encinas, Suite A, is seeking volunteers to serve in several capacities. Each one helps this nonprofit organization to provide medical, emotional, physical and spiritual support to patients and families who are going through the most difficult of times. The Hospice Re-Sale Shop is looking for volunteers to sort, display and cashier at their Encinitas store.

Opportunities are available for patient care volunteers, Hospice Auxiliary members who work on special events to raise funds for hospice, people to help with the October Golf Tournament and office assistance.

Call Judith Miller at (760) 431-4100 or visit the Web site at http://hnc@hospicenorthcoast.org.

City offers teen programs

CARLSBAD —- Carlsbad Recreation Department is inviting teenagers to take an active role with two programs designed specifically for teens.

The Counselor-in-Training Program is a free after-school program for middle and high school youths who wish to develop skills in leadership, communication and volunteerism. The program requires a commitment from the participants to attend the program at least 12 days per calendar month, participate in two community service activities per month and maintain good standing in school. The CIT’s also will have opportunities to participate in enrichment classes, field trips and other service learning opportunities. The program is geared toward teens ages 11 to 16. In addition to the CIT program, “Totally Teen Nights” are a series of safe, fun Friday night events for teens to socialize outside of school.

“RoadTripz” take teens on adult-supervised day trips to local destinations. Call Aly Mancini at (760) 602-7527 or visit the Web site at http://www.CarlsbadConnect.org.

Learn the laws of attraction

CARLSBAD —- The Sacred Pathway Bookstore will present the lecture on “Expand your Wisdom of the Law of Attraction” at 6 p.m. March 21 at the bookstore, 300 Carlsbad Village Drive, Suite 103. Learn to understand “The Secret,” which holds the key to personal power. Call (760) 505-0004 or visit the Web site at http://www.SwissSystem.com.

Gay support group meets March 25

CARLSBAD —- Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays, a parents-led support and information organization, will meet at 2 p.m. March 25 at the Pilgrim UCC Church, 2020 Chestnut Ave. PFLAG invites all those having difficulties in understanding gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender issues, especially those whose family relationships are disrupted. Call (619) 922-1579.

Editors meet March 21

SAN DIEGO —– The San Diego Professional Editors Network will meet at 6:30 p.m. March 21 in the Clairemont Community Room, 4731 Clairemont Drive. Maggi Payment of the Center for WorkTime Options will discuss “Editing For and Working with Different Generations.”

Payment, a workplace specialist and management consultant, has more than 30 years consulting and training experience with diversity awareness, team-building and organization change programs in a wide variety of industries. She has written extensively about workplace issues for national media. Call (858) 451-3266 or visit the Web site at http://www.sdpen.com.

Auxiliary hosts fashion show

LA JOLLA —- The Women’s Auxiliary of Seacrest Village Retirement Communities will hold its 19th Annual Fashion Show and Luncheon at 11 a.m. March 19 at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines, 10950 N. Torrey Pines Road. A cocktail reception, silent auction and prize drawing will be held at 11 a.m., with the fashion show and luncheon following at noon.

Anticipated attendance for this highly anticipated event is approximately 500 guests. Funds raised will help to provide housing and healthcare services to the residents of Seacrest Village Retirement Communities’ Encinitas and Rancho Bernardo campuses. Cost is $80 to $100. Call Alyssa Osian at (760) 632-0081 or e-mail aosian@seacrestvillage.org.

Buddies host fundraiser

SAN DIEGO —- Best Buddies, the international nonprofit organization that enhances the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for friendships and employment, will host the Best Buddies Beach Bash from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. March 25 Balboa Park Club, 2150 Pan American Way, Balboa Park. Cost is $8. Call (619) 584-5450.

Library Friends to hold book sale

RAMONA —- The Friends of the Ramona Library will hold a book sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 17 at the library, 1406 Montecito Road. The sale is held on the third Saturday of each month. For information, call (760) 738-2434.

Bridal Showcase set for March 25

RAMONA —- The 2007 Ramona Bridal Showcase will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 25 adjacent to the Sizzler restaurant, 344 Main St. The event is sponsored by the Sizzler and Seidl’s Party Rental.

Brides and grooms can find everything from the wedding cake to a gown, rings, flowers, caterers, entertainers and even the wine, all in a relaxing and intimate setting.

For information, call (760) 787-9455.

Expanded symphony to perform concert

POWAY —- The Poway Community Symphony Orchestra began in 2004 with only 25 musicians. It has since grown to a full orchestra with more than 60 instrumentalists. A strong string section, as well as a complete wind section, allow the orchestra to perform major symphonic works by the great classical composers.

The orchestra’s mission is to present such performances to audiences of Rancho Bernardo, Poway and surrounding communities, and in doing so, contribute to the cultural offerings in the area.

The next concert, under the baton of Music Director Brandon Muresan, will be held at 7:30 p.m. March 26 at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Road. The program, titled “Orchestral Celebration,” will include beautiful orchestral music by composers Sibelius, Bizet and Beethoven.

Admission is free; however, donations will be accepted. For information, go to http://www.powaysymphony.org or call (858) 673-9702.

Republican women’s group to host speakers

RAMONA —- The Intermountain Federation of Republican Women will host Mindy and Nathan Fletcher as the guest speakers at a meeting scheduled for March 26 at the Sizzler restaurant, 344 Main St. A no-host dinner will begin at 6 p.m. followed by the program at 7.

Mindy Trucker Fletcher served as deputy campaign manager for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s re-election campaign. She also has served as the governor’s deputy chief of staff, external affairs, and as the governor’s liaison to a variety of constituencies, coalitions and organizations.

Nathan Fletcher is a businessman, combat veteran and dedicated public servant. He is currently running as the Republican candidate for the 75th Assembly District, which includes the west side of Ramona.

Community Seder set for April 3

POWAY —- The Ner Tamid congregation will host a community Seder led by Cantor Ralph Resnick at 5:45 p.m. April 3, the second night of Passover, at Ner Tamid Synagogue, 15318 Pomerado Road. A complete traditional dinner, including wines and juice, will be served following a creative, family-oriented Seder service.

Reservations and payment must be made before March 20. Admission is $42 for ages 13 and older; $20 for ages 5 to 12; and free for children younger than 5.

Make checks payable to Ner Tamid and send to 15318 Pomerado Road, Poway, CA 92064. For information, call (858) 513-8330.

Seniors can get help with wills

RANCHO BERNARDO —- Rancho Bernardo Senior Services, 16789 Bernardo Center Drive, Suite K-14, offers will services free of charge the last two Fridays of each month. The only criteria is that the wills must be kept simple —- leaving assets to spouses and/or children. Half-hour appointments with an attorney are available between 1 and 4 p.m. The next sessions will be held March 23 and 30. For reservations, call (858) 487-2640.

Airband show on tap tonight

SAN MARCOS —- San Marcos High School invites the community to its “Once Upon a Knight Airbands” from 7 to 9 tonight in the gymnasium on campus, 1615 W. San Marcos Blvd. The airband show will feature nine student acts and one act that includes SMHS teachers. Admission prices range from $4 to $8.

‘Life Transitions After 50′ workshop set

SAN MARCOS —- Brookdale place of San Marcos will host a free workshop titled “Continuing Life Transitions After 50″ from 1 to 3 p.m. March 27 at the San Marcos Senior Center, 111 W. Richmar Ave.

Professionals representing financial planning, reverse mortgages, real estate, moving/packing and senior living options will be on hand to provide information for those ages 50 and older.

Refreshments will be served. To R.S.V.P., call the senior center at (760) 744-5535.

Calvin College Gospel Choir to perform in SM

SAN MARCOS —- The Calvin College Gospel Choir from Grand Rapids, Mich., will perform a concert at 7:30 p.m. March 20 at Crossroads Christian Reformed Church, 2406 N. Twin Oaks Valley Road.

The concert, titled “Total Praise,” features Richard Smallwood’s song by the same name, as well as compositions by Southern California musicians Kurt Carr and Diane White.

Admission is free; however, a freewill offering will be accepted for the scholarship fund of the San Diego chapter of the Calvin Alumni Association.

Taxi vouchers offered for seniors

SAN MARCOS —- The San Marcos Senior Center offers free taxi vouchers to seniors for medical appointments and shopping trips. For information, call (760) 744-5535.

Twins club to host parenting expert

POWAY —- The Pomerado Hospital Mothers of Twins and Triplets Club will meet at 7 p.m. March 19 in Conference Room C on the third floor of Pomerado Hospital, 15615 Pomerado Road.

Parenting expert Kathryn Humberstone will give an introduction to her class on parent effectiveness training or “How to Survive Parenthood.” Guests are welcome.

The club is open to any parent or guardian of multiple birth children. Meetings offer the opportunity for all mothers of multiples, especially new or expectant moms, to share experiences, learn about what lies ahead and to make new friends.

For information, call (858) 442-7558.

St. Patrick’s Day celebration on tap

ESCONDIDO —- Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day from 2 to 5 p.m. March 17 at the Metaphor Cafe, Second Avenue and Juniper Street. Dancing music will be provided by Dixie Express JB. Cost of $8 includes music and food. For information, call (760) 747-1882.

Multiple sclerosis group to meet

ESCONDIDO —- The Escondido Multiple Sclerosis Self-help Group will meet at 1 p.m. March 21 in Room 5 at the Joslyn Senior Center, 210 Park Ave.

An instructor from Inner Strength Yoga will demonstrate the Lebed Method, which emphasizes exercise and increased motion. People with MS can join this class for free, once a week for an hour.

After the demonstration, there will be a question-and-answer session and discussion period. The meeting is open to those with multiple sclerosis, family members and caregivers. Call Beth at (760) 747-9096.

Friends of Hellhole Canyon to meet

VALLEY CENTER —- The Friends of Hellhole Canyon Open Space Preserve will hold its quarterly meeting from 10 a.m. to noon March 24 at the Valley Center Library, 29200 Cole Grade Road.

Gillian Moreland of the Palomar Audubon Society will talk about the San Diego County Bird Atlas and will describe some of the birds most often found in Hellhole Canyon.

Admission is free; refreshments will be served. For information, call Rick Landavazo at (760) 749-5320.

Woodwind ensemble to perform

ESCONDIDO —- San Diego Saxes, a five-piece woodwind ensemble, will be in concert at 3 p.m. March 25 at the First United Methodist Church of Escondido, 341 S. Kalmia St. The group was formed last year by David Hayes of Rancho Bernardo, who is music director for the Rancho Santa Fe School District. The quintet plays both the classics and jazz and will be augmented by a rhythm section.

Admission is free; a freewill offering will be taken. A reception to greet the artists will follow the concert. For information, call (760) 745-5100.

Country club to host blood drive

ESCONDIDO —- The Escondido Country Club, 1800 Country Club Lane, will host a San Diego Blood Bank blood drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 31. The bloodmobile will be in the parking lot.

Anyone age 17 or older in good health and weighing at least 110 pounds may be eligible to donate blood. Eating a good meal before donating is recommended.

Information: http://www.sandiegobloodbank.org or (800) 4MY-SDBB.

Hummingbird feeder gourd art class set

ESCONDIDO —- A hummingbird feeder gourd art class will be offered from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 31 at Artisans Gallery and More, 224 E. Grand Ave. To sign up and for information, call (760) 432-8995.

Daley Ranch photo contest set

ESCONDIDO —- Applications are available for the 2007 Daley Ranch Amateur Photography Contest. Instructions and entry forms can be picked up at the entrance to Daley Ranch at the north end of La Honda Drive, Calumet Photography, Escondido Public Library and the Dixon Lake Ranger Station. The city’s Web site, http://www.escondido.org/daley, also has downloadable forms.

Photos can be either film or digital; entries will become the property of the Daley Ranch Volunteer Association after the contest. Proceeds from the contest will benefit efforts to restore the Daley Ranch House and make it into an interpretive center.

Contest rules, changed slightly from the last contest, are listed on the application form. Submissions can be made from April 7 until 5 p.m. April 21. Photographers may submit up to five entries; an application form and entry fee of $5 must accompany each photograph.

Separate color and black-and-white categories include the following themes: scenic view, plants and animals, park visitors and the hand of man. Photos must be taken at Daley Ranch, and any photos deemed to have been taken off trail will not be considered.

The judges will be photographer/author Paul Johnson, photographer/author Bill Evarts and photographer Susan Heller.

History discussion set at library

ESCONDIDO —- Abraham Robinson Johnston will be the subject of a history discussion led by Bob Bowman at 7 p.m. March 20 at the Escondido Public Library, 239 S. Kalmia St. The monthly discussions are hosted by the San Pasqual Battlefield Volunteer Association. Call Ron Hinrichs at (760) 746-8380.

OASIS classes on tap at mall

ESCONDIDO —- OASIS will offer these classes for seniors at its education center in the former Robinsons-May South store, third floor, Westfield North County. Preregistration is required. Call (760) 432-0635.

- Kam Zarrabi, lecturer and Middle East analyst, will present a three-part class called “Iran in the Crosshairs” from 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. March 21, 22 and 23. Cost is $15.

- Nancy Ann Reisman, a board certified educational therapist, will present “Tricks for Learning Styles” from 10 a.m. to noon March 23. Cost is $3.

- Linda Brown, a registered nurse, will present “Tips for Worry-free Road Trips” from 10:30 a.m. to noon March 26. Cost is $3.

Interfaith group to meet March 21

ESCONDIDO —- Interfaith Community Services will host its monthly general membership meeting from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 21 at Interfaith Community Services, 550-B W. Washington Ave.

The group will host speakers from Response Link of San Diego and the San Diego chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Also, donations of bedding, towels and rugs are needed to furnish Interfaith’s housing for homeless families and its newest housing project for disabled seniors.

Bring a sack lunch; beverages and desserts will be provided. Information: Antoinette Johnson, faith liaison coordinator, (760) 489-8458, Ext. 266; ajohnson@interfaithservices.org.

‘Women in Health’ luncheon planned

CARMEL MOUNTAIN RANCH —- Palomar Pomerado Health and the American Heart Association will present “Midlife Maintenance: A Closer Look at Menopause and Osteoporosis” from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 4 at Carmel Mountain Ranch Country Club, 14050 Carmel Ridge Road. The event is part of the heart association’s 2007 “Women in Health” luncheon series sponsored by PPH.

Kay Bradshaw-Smith, physician assistant certified, will unravel the mystery of menopause through a presentation on hormone replacement therapy, alternative therapies and other lifestyle changes designed to help women cope with this midlife change. Dr. Cynthia Robertson will explore the risk factors for osteoporosis and the steps women can take to help prevent, detect and correct low bone mass.

Admission of $25 includes a gourmet lunch, featured speakers and health screenings, including bone density, blood pressure and body composition. To register, call the HealthSource at (800) 628-2880 or go to http://www.pph.org (Classes and Events —- Midlife Maintenance).

Additional luncheons will be held on the first Wednesday of June, August, October and December.

Boys & Girls Club scholarships available for alumni

NORTH COUNTY —- The Boys & Girls Clubs Foundation is offering scholarships to students who are graduating seniors, have been members of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego for one or more years and are planning to attend an accredited college or university in the same year after graduation from high school and register for a minimum of 12 units per semester.

Applicants will be judged on financial need, community service, evidence of leadership and citizenship and academic record.

Each winner is eligible to receive a total of up to $4,000 in payments (not to exceed $1,000 per year). Application deadline is April 15. Apply online at http://www.sdyouth.org. For information, call (866) 739-6884.

Egg hunt planned

FALLBROOK —- An Easter egg hunt will take place at 10 a.m. April 7 at the Fallbrook Community Center, 341 Heald Lane. The event will include games and contests. Preceding the egg hunt will be a pancake breakfast served from 7:30 to 10 a.m. to benefit the Fallbrook Firefighters Association. Cost is $4 for adults, $2 for children younger than 12.

Circus is coming to town

FALLBROOK —- The American Crown Circus is coming to the Fallbrook Community Center for performances at 5 and 7 p.m. April 14 and 15. Show highlights include jugglers, acrobats, high-wire and trapeze acts, the Wheel of Death and Perch Pole Acrobatics. Tickets are $10 and proceeds benefit the Friends of the Fallbrook Community Center.

Health fair being planned

FALLBROOK —- Healthy Heart —- Happy Heart” will be the theme of the Fallbrook Healthcare District’s sixth annual Celebrate Your Health Fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 12 at the Fallbrook Community Center.

The event includes activities and information on healthy living for people of all ages, plus entertainment, music and prizes. In addition, there will be screenings for glucose, bone density, cholesterol and more. All are free to Fallbrook residents.

T’ai Chi Chih workshop offered

ENCINITAS —- Seaside Center for Spiritual Living will host an all-day T’ai Chi Chih Workshop from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 17 at 1613 Lake Drive. The workshop will be taught by teacher/trainer Pam Towne and is ideal for beginners as well as experienced practitioners.

Simple movements will be taught that relax the body, refresh the mind and renew the soul; relieve stress and pain; improve balance and circulation; and cultivate health, longevity and serenity in the midst of activity. Participants should bring a lunch and wear comfortable clothes.